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On Monday 10th May , 2024 , three Valencia football club fans were sentenced to eight months in prison in “the first conviction in Spain for racist abuse at a football match.”

“The three perpetrators were sentenced to 8 months imprisonment, given 2-year bans from entering a stadium, and ordered to pay the costs of the proceedings,” the Spanish LaLiga said in a statement.

LaLiga confirmed that the three individuals had directed racist chants against Real Madrid’s Black Brazilian star Vinicius Junior during a match held on May 21, 2023, at Valencia’s home ground, Mestalla.

A group of fans were clearly heard calling Vinicius Junior a “monkey,” a racist trope used to insult Black people.

“Valencia CF cooperated in the identification of the accused and immediately proceeded to expel them as members of the club,” the Spanish top-flight football division said.

“This ruling is great news regarding the fight against racism in Spain, as it redresses the wrong suffered by Vinicius Jr. and sends a clear message to those people who go to a football stadium to hurl abuse. LaLiga will identify them, report them, and there will be criminal consequences for them,” LaLiga President Javier Tebas said.

Following the match, Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid drew attention to the abusive behavior, prompting Valencia prosecutors to launch a hate crime investigation.

“It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in La Liga,” Vinicius Junior had said earlier.

Mainly playing on the left flank, the 23-year-old Real Madrid forward since 2018 has been repeatedly taunted by opposition fans at Spanish stadiums.

As a Madrid player, he won the UEFA Champions League twice, in 2022 and 2024, and is also a three-time Spanish champion with the European powerhouse.

Vinicius Junior has scored 83 goals and made 75 assists in 264 appearances for the Spanish club.

After the conviction, Vini Jr. expressed himself on social media, stating that this victory “is for all Black people” and called himself the “nemesis of racists.”

“As I always said, I am not a victim of racism. I am the nemesis of racists. This first criminal conviction in the history of Spain is not for me. It is for all Black people,” declared Vinicius Jr. “Let other racists be afraid, ashamed, and hide in the shadows. Otherwise, I will be here to hold them accountable,” he added.

Last year, cases of racism against Vinicius Jr. in Spain gained significant attention, especially after the May match between Real Madrid and Valencia. On that occasion, after being insulted by fans, Vini Jr. immediately complained to the referee, who stopped the game.

A commotion ensued, and a Valencia player put Vinicius Jr. in a headlock. As he broke free, he struck another opponent in the face and was expelled.

The Brazilian complained at the end of the match, criticizing the Spanish league for the various instances of racism he had suffered in recent months, but he was harshly criticized by the president of LaLiga—the entity responsible for organizing the main Spanish championship—Javier Tebas.

Amid the global repercussions of the case, which sparked a significant debate about racism in football, Tebas backtracked and apologized.

The Spanish police also mobilized and identified and detained fans who made racist insults at Mestalla and others who, months earlier, hung a Black doll wearing Vinicius Jr.’s jersey by its neck on a bridge in Madrid.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva criticized the episode and called for more anti-racist actions in football, and the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, also expressed solidarity with Vinicius Jr.

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President

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The recent decision by the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) has mandated former footballer Robinho to serve a sentence for rape in Brazil, with a decisive vote of 9 to 2. The ruling also stipulates an immediate commencement of the sentence. In response, Robinho’s defense has announced plans to appeal to the Supreme Federal Court (STF), emphasizing his cooperation with the justice system. The execution of the immediate imprisonment falls under the jurisdiction of authorities in Santos, where Robinho resides.

The STJ’s Special Court convened to deliberate on whether Robinho, convicted in Italy to a 9-year prison term for rape, could serve the sentence in Brazil. This followed a request from the Italian justice system, as the Brazilian Constitution precludes the extradition of natural-born Brazilians for overseas sentences. Consequently, Italy sought imprisonment for Robinho within Brazil.

Crucially, the STJ refrained from re-adjudicating the allegations against Robinho, focusing instead on extradition feasibility. This procedural approach underscores the court’s role as an arbiter of legal process rather than guilt or innocence.

In delivering the majority opinion, Minister Francisco Falcão emphasized the absence of constitutional impediments to executing the sentence in Brazil. He cited the confirmation of the sentence by the Milan court, underscoring the legitimacy of the Italian judicial process and the finality of the conviction. Additionally, he clarified that Robinho was not tried in absentia in Italy but was duly represented.

The STJ’s decision carries wide-ranging implications, touching upon legal, social, and diplomatic realms. It raises questions about extradition laws, international judicial cooperation, and the accountability of individuals for crimes committed abroad. Moreover, the case spotlights the intersection of sports, celebrity, and legal accountability, drawing significant media attention and public discourse.

Looking ahead, the resolution of Robinho’s case will set a precedent for future instances involving Brazilian citizens accused of crimes abroad. It will influence legal interpretations, diplomatic relations, and public perceptions of justice in Brazil.

In conclusion, the STJ’s ruling on Robinho’s extradition marks a significant milestone in Brazil’s legal landscape. It navigates the complexities of transnational justice systems while reaffirming the country’s commitment to upholding the rule of law. As the legal saga unfolds, Brazil faces a pivotal moment in its pursuit of justice and accountability on the global stage.

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Robinho, a former Brazilian soccer star, recently ended his silence following his conviction for collective rape by the Italian judicial system. His statement, issued on March 17, 2024, addressed his innocence, accusations of racism within the Italian legal proceedings, and his ongoing battle against extradition to Italy.

Taking to social media, Robinho asserted his innocence and shared evidence supporting his claims. He criticized the Italian trial process, highlighting flaws and expressing confidence in the evidence presented during his trial in Milan. Robinho vehemently denied the allegations, citing inconsistencies in the victim’s testimony and questioning her level of intoxication and behavior before and after the alleged incident.

Accusing the Italian justice system of racism, Robinho suggested that his ethnicity influenced the trial’s outcome. He argued that had he been white, the trial and subsequent conviction would have unfolded differently. This accusation sheds light on broader issues of racial bias within the Italian legal system and raises concerns about the treatment of ethnic minorities in high-profile cases.

Italy has requested Robinho’s extradition to serve his nine-year prison sentence in the country. Brazil’s Superior Court of Justice (STJ) is set to review Italy’s extradition request, with proceedings scheduled for March 20, 2024. Robinho’s legal team contends that extradition would violate Brazilian law, which prohibits the extradition of native Brazilians to face charges abroad.

Robinho’s defense maintains that the proposed extradition violates Brazil’s Constitution, which safeguards native citizens from extradition. They argue that accepting the Italian sentence would compromise Brazilian sovereignty and legal principles. This legal dispute highlights the complexities of international extradition law and the conflicting interests of national sovereignty and judicial cooperation.

The collective rape incident occurred in 2013 while Robinho was playing for Milan, a prominent football club in Italy. Robinho and five other men were convicted of raping an unconscious Albanian woman in a Milan nightclub. The victim’s level of intoxication and ability to consent have been central issues in the case, with the defendants claiming the encounter was consensual.

Robinho’s public statement, accusations of racism, and legal battle against extradition have drawn attention to his case, sparking discussions about racial bias in the justice system and the intricacies of international law. As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome will carry significant implications for Robinho and the broader discourse on justice and equality.

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The case of former Brazilian national team and Barcelona player Daniel Alves has stirred significant controversy and legal debate. Following a three-day trial in a Spanish court, Alves was convicted of raping a woman in a restroom at the Sutton nightclub in Barcelona, Spain, at the conclusion of 2022. The court determined that the victim did not consent to the sexual encounter, leading to Alves’ sentencing to four and a half years in prison.

The trial of Daniel Alves unfolded over a three-day period in the Spanish city where the alleged crime took place. The prosecution, consisting of representatives from the Spanish Prosecutor’s Office and the victim’s legal team, presented evidence and arguments to establish Alves’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Testimonies, forensic evidence, and other relevant documentation were likely crucial components of the prosecution’s case. Conversely, Alves’ defense team, led by attorney Inés Guardiola, mounted a vigorous defense, challenging the prosecution’s evidence and presenting counterarguments to refute the allegations.

After deliberation, the court rendered its verdict, finding Daniel Alves guilty of the charges of sexual assault. Judge Isabel Delgado, presiding over the case in the 21st Section of the Barcelona Court of Appeals, delivered the sentence of four and a half years in prison. Additionally, Alves was ordered to undergo a supervised release period of five years following his incarceration. Furthermore, he was prohibited from contacting the victim for a period of nine years. As part of the sentence, Alves was directed to pay compensation of 150 thousand euros to the victim, along with covering the legal costs associated with the trial.

Despite the conviction and sentencing, Daniel Alves maintains the right to appeal the decision. His defense team can pursue appeals through the Superior Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC) and ultimately the Supreme Court of Spain. During the appellate process, Alves will remain in prison, as per the court’s ruling. Attorney Inés Guardiola expressed the intention to appeal the conviction, indicating that Alves and his legal team remain resolute in challenging the verdict. The appeal process will likely involve a review of the trial proceedings, potential errors in legal interpretation, and any new evidence that may emerge.

The verdict in the case of Daniel Alves carries significant implications for both the individual involved and the broader societal discourse on sexual assault and justice. Alves’ stature as a former professional athlete adds to the public interest surrounding the case, highlighting issues of power dynamics, consent, and accountability. The satisfaction expressed by the prosecution with the conviction underscores the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, irrespective of their fame or influence. Conversely, the defense’s decision to appeal indicates a continued legal battle, prolonging the resolution of the case and maintaining public attention on the matter.

The sentencing of Daniel Alves for sexual assault marks a significant development in the legal proceedings surrounding the case. While the court’s decision reflects the determination of guilt based on the evidence presented, the possibility of appeal introduces further complexity and uncertainty. As the legal process unfolds, the case will continue to provoke discussion and reflection on issues of justice, accountability, and the treatment of sexual assault allegations within the criminal justice system.

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Francis Ngannou didn’t leave Riyadh with an official victory, but he left with a moral victory. The former UFC champion and current PFL fighter went head-to-head in boxing with the reigning world heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury, in a superfight held in Saudi Arabia this Saturday.

The Cameroonian knocked down the British fighter with a knockdown in the third round, went the distance, and put up a strong fight. However, the judges awarded the victory to the World Boxing Council (WBC) champion by split decision (95-94 Ngannou, 96-93 Fury, 95-94 Fury).

Boxing had long been a dream for Ngannou, gaining momentum when he became the UFC heavyweight champion in March 2021, drawing the attention of Tyson Fury. Despite this, many experts criticized the idea, suggesting that a professional boxer would outclass the MMA fighter. UFC President Dana White refused to release Ngannou for the superfight, claiming there would be no public interest. The Cameroonian had to wait until his contract with the organization ended to pursue his dream.

The audience, however, showed up in force. The arena in Riyadh was packed, not only with regular fans but also with celebrities, not only from boxing and MMA but also from other sports. Names like Ronaldo Nazário, Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Luís Figo, and Rio Ferdinand from football, as well as rappers and entrepreneurs Kanye West and Eminem, were in attendance. In addition, ring legends such as Evander Holyfield, Sugar Ray Leonard, Manny Pacquiao, and Roy Jones Jr, as well as cage legends like Chuck Liddell, Randy Couture, Rampage Jackson, Conor McGregor, Junior Cigano, and Frank Mir, were present.

In the fight itself, Ngannou proved he belonged in the ring with Fury. The former UFC champion started slowly but landed hard punches, including a knockdown – only the seventh in the British fighter’s career, who remained undefeated in 35 official boxing matches. Heading into the final two rounds, the Cameroonian was leading on the scorecards of many observers, and Fury won thanks to better stamina.

Fury wasted no time throwing a right cross as soon as the fight began. The first one missed. But shortly after, the Englishman landed a good cross. Ngannou responded with a solid right straight. The Cameroonian tried to close the distance with jabs, and Fury answered with effective body jabs. Ngannou connected with a right hook, and Fury countered with a powerful right straight.

Ngannou continued his attack in the second round, landing solid left hooks to the body and utilizing clinches to throw uppercuts. Fury felt the need to respond and landed good jabs. The British fighter surprised by repeatedly seeking the clinch himself. Ngannou gained confidence for the third round, where he aggressively used the jab and straight. Fury defended well with his glove and head movement. The world champion switched to a southpaw stance, but it didn’t work out; he took a left counter from Ngannou and went down, the first knockdown of the fight.

The Cameroonian smelled blood. At the beginning of the fourth round, the former MMA champion landed a jab and a straight right away. Fury again sought the clinch, perhaps trying to tire the challenger. The plan almost backfired as the British fighter lost his balance in the clinch and had to grab onto the ropes.

Ngannou threw everything at Fury, and Fury narrowly avoided being hit, driving the crowd wild. However, in the fifth round, the MMA fighter seemed to slow down. Fury began to move more comfortably and landed a solid straight, which Ngannou absorbed. By this point, Ngannou was more rooted to the ground, attempting to work on counterattacks. Fury, at this stage, was faster and taunting his opponent with jabs while dancing around the ring.

Ngannou switched to a southpaw stance in the seventh round. He landed a solid left straight, making Fury immediately switch back to an orthodox stance. The Cameroonian connected with two more solid left straights, one to the face and one to the body. In the eighth round, Fury once again landed good right crosses, but Ngannou replied with a hard left straight. After a clinch, Ngannou threw a sequence of crosses, and Fury countered with a hard right cross. They exchanged blows freely in the best round so far.

Ngannou landed two more solid crosses in the ninth round but became more planted. Fury responded with more movement, connecting with jabs and staying out of the MMA fighter’s reach. They entered the tenth round with many experts calling the fight even. Ngannou began to move forward again, although at a slower pace. The audience tried to support him with cries of “Francis! Francis!” It was the most studied round of all. In the latter half, Fury returned to connecting with his jabs. Ngannou attempted a “Superman punch,” without success.

That wasn’t in the script! Francis is a great fighter, strong, and a much better boxer than we expected. He’s a very strange guy, a good puncher, and I respect him a lot. He wasn’t coming forward; he was trying to counterpunch and gave me perhaps my toughest fight in the last 10 years – acknowledged Tyson Fury, who said he didn’t get hurt much from the knockdown. In addition, he avoided discussing the potential unification fight for the heavyweight belts against Oleksander Usyk, speculated for December.

• I’m very happy. It didn’t end as I wanted, but I’d like to thank the opportunity to prove people wrong again. I may be a novice, but I can bite. I’m a fighter, and I can fight anytime. This was my first boxing match, and it was a great experience. I won’t make excuses. I’ll come back with more experience and strength. At the beginning, I was nervous, but now I know I can do this. Get ready! – said Ngannou.
• I came from a long recovery, from surgery, but I don’t make any excuses. I worked hard, did my best, and I know my capabilities. My team and I will see what to improve next. Today was fear of the water, and now I know the water temperature, and I’m ready to come here and dominate – added the Cameroonian.

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Brazil Soccer Legend, ‘Pele’, enters dictionary as adjective for ‘unique’

Pele , one of the most iconic names in the world of football, arguably the greatest footballer ever, is now an adjective synonymous to ‘exceptional, outstanding, unique’

Popular Portuguese-language Michaelis dictionary in Brazil added “pelé” as a new adjective to its online edition.

This development comes after a campaign by the Pelé Foundation, the sports channel SporTV and the Sao Paulo football club Santos to honour the football star pooled more than 125,000 signatures

For the world’s 265 million-odd Portuguese speakers, “pele” can now be used to denote something or someone extraordinary — the sense in which it is already employed informally in Brazil.

The expression already used to refer to someone who is the best at what they do has been eternalized on the pages of the dictionary!” the Pele Foundation said on Instagram

Under the new entry, the word is defined as “exceptional, incomparable, unique” — qualities associated with “The King” of football who died in December at the age of 82.

The online version of the Michaelis also provides useful examples: “He is the pele of basketball… She is the pele of Brazilian drama.”

For now, the word has been included only in the Michaelis online version, though it will be added to printed dictionaries in future.

Pele scored a world record 1,281 goals during his more than two decades playing with Santos (1956-74), the Brazilian national team, and the New York Cosmos (1975-77).

The name ‘Pele” is synonymous with skill, talent, and success on the field. Pele is a legend of Brazilian football and is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time. The name Pele is not just a nickname but a moniker that carries a significant history and story behind it. In this essay, we will explore the origin of the name Pele and how it became the iconic name it is today.

Edson Arantes do Nascimento was born on October 23, 1940, in the city of Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Brazil. He grew up in poverty and began playing football barefoot on the streets. His father, João Ramos do Nascimento, was a former footballer who played for Fluminense and Vasco da Gama. João taught Edson the basics of football and supported his dreams of becoming a professional footballer.

As a child, Edson was given the nickname Dico by his family. The name Dico was a shortened version of his middle name Arantes. However, it was not until he was in school that he received the name that would later become his moniker. According to legend, Edson’s schoolmates gave him the name Pele during a football game. Pele is a nickname for the word “pé-de-pano,” which means “ragged foot” in Portuguese. The name was given to Edson because of the way he played football. He would kick the ball with such force that it would often tear the leather cover of the ball, leaving it ragged.

The origin of the name Pele has been a subject of much debate, and there are several other stories that claim to explain how Edson got the name. One story claims that the name Pele was given to him by a local football coach who was impressed by his skills. Another story suggests that the name was given to him by a Brazilian journalist who saw him play and was struck by his unique style.

Regardless of how the name came about, it became synonymous with the young footballer’s success. Edson began playing for local clubs at a young age, and it was not long before he was scouted by some of the biggest clubs in Brazil. In 1956, at the age of 15, he signed his first professional contract with Santos FC.

Edson’s career quickly took off, and he began to attract international attention. He was selected to play for the Brazilian national team in 1957, and he quickly became one of the team’s star players. His success on the field led to even more attention and recognition, and the name Pele began to spread beyond the borders of Brazil.

Over the course of his career, Pele played for Santos FC and the Brazilian national team, winning numerous titles and accolades. He is the only player to have won three FIFA World Cups, and he scored a total of 1,281 goals in his career, a feat that has never been matched. Pele’s success on the field and his iconic name made him a legend of Brazilian football and one of the most recognizable names in the world of sports.

Today, the name Pele has become synonymous with football excellence, and it is used to describe players who possess exceptional skill and talent on the field. The name has also become a brand, with Pele endorsing a wide range of products and services. Despite his retirement from football, Pele remains a cultural icon and a symbol of Brazilian pride and success.

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Israel Adesanya reclaimed his middleweight title after beating long-term rival Alex Pereira at UFC 287.

‘The Last Stylebender’ produced a stunning second-round knockout to seal a victory over the Brazilian fighter and take back the title that he lost in November last year.

It was the fourth time that the two middleweight’s had met, their second inside the octagon, and it was the first occasion in which Adesanya has come out on top

The Last Stylebender’ produced a stunning second-round knockout to seal a victory over the Brazilian fighter and take back the title that he lost in November last year.

The bitter rivals went one-for-one through much of the first two rounds, with Pereira chopping at Adesanya’s legs, and the challenger fighting with more forward pressure and urgency than in their last meeting. Just when Pereira pressed forward, looking to punish a seemingly hurt Adesanya, “The Last Stylebender” uncorked a right hand that landed flush and dazed the champion, with the follow-up right putting him on the canvas, out cold.

Just an absolutely tantalizing finish from the Nigerian-born, Auckland-based standout, who reclaims the middleweight title in style.

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A football side in Brazil , Saopaulo football Club , has announced , through its social media networks, the hiring of a Nigerian teenage striker , Azeez . The Nígerian player will join the junior category in Cotia , Saopaulo , Brazil

Azeez, who was discovered during a tournament organized in Nígeria , is expected to bring creativity to the club side . The 18 year old athlete arrived Brazil to reinforce the base of the club . Azeez will be coached by the former Brazil international , Alex de Souza in the under-20 of the club .

In the last Junior championships , Saopaulo football club reached the semifinals . The club was the Brazilian vice-champion 2 years ago. Azeez arrives on loan valid until February next year, with an option to buy. With that, he will be able to play in the next Junior Championships ( Copa Saopaulo) in case he is indeed taken advantage of by coach Alex.

Azeez is 1.80m , he played for Unique Football Academy in Nígeria , the club that owns his economic rights. The teenage player was discovered by some members of the Saopaulo football club , who were in Nigeria to see the boy’s football. Azeez played exceptionally good that the Brazilian team showed interest in his football

“I am very happy for the opportunity to defend a big club like São Paulo. I hope to bring joy to the fans and help my new teammates”, said Azeez, to the club’s official website.

Since Azeez arrived , Nígerians living in Brazil have been patronizing the jerseys of Saopaulo State Club .

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